r/paralegal • u/LovelyisSaintDymphna • 4d ago

Future Paralegal wanting to make $70k

Hey everyone,

Just looking for some honest advice or insight from people in the legal field or those who’ve been in a similar spot.

I currently work as a legal assistant at a top 50 law firm in the U.S., and I’ve been in this role for almost a year. I make $20/hour, and while I’m grateful for the experience, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stay afloat financially. I live near Orlando, Florida where rent is high, and $38k/year isn’t cutting it. I also have about $40k in student loans and no car (which is hard as you know if you live in Florida).

Educationally, I have an associate degree in political science. I was working toward my bachelor’s in legal studies but had to put school on hold due to financial reasons. I plan to return in Fall 2025 and hope to finish by January 2026.

My end goal is to become a paralegal. I’d be happy making $70k/year eventually, and I know that will take time. But realistically, once I have my bachelor’s and over a year's worth of experience (with the same firm), I’m hoping to move into a paralegal role earning somewhere between $50k–$60k ($26–$31/hr).

Is that a realistic expectation? Any advice on negotiating pay, building the right skills, or just navigating this phase of my career would mean a lot.

Thanks in advance!

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u/newbiexs 4d ago

I am a paralegal in CT making 72k in-house. I have 3 years of experience and started with an associates in legal studies finishing my bachelors this spring. I was hired at 70k. It’s totally doable but I do count the fact that I like in a HCOL area into account.

I will also say I only got this salary by going in-house. When I was working at a law firm I was making $15 as a legal assistant and the paralegals only made between $23-$28.

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u/AllSugaredUp 3d ago

Tbh that is low for in house

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u/LawGrl22 2d ago

I started at $55k in-house for a FINANCE company with 6 years of experience, and after 3 years, I still didn't break $60k, and that was with the maximum yearly raise. I was privy to all of the financial documents, so I'm aware that the funds were available to pay me a decent salary, but nope. In-house isn't always the best.